Massachusetts Offers Special Bowhunt

The Department of Mental Retardation (DMR), Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) have worked together to provide a fall bowhunting-only opportunity for turkey and deer at DMR’s Templeton Developmental Center (TDC).

Through legislation and a Memorandum of Agreement between DMR and DCR, a Cooperative Management Plan for TDC property has been developed delegating certain land management responsibilities to DCR while ensuring the well-being and rights of TDC residents. Property beyond the TDC campus and agricultural fields, and otherwise not utilized by TDC residents, is being managed cooperatively to benefit both natural resources and the public. The hunting activity being permitted is also designed to address high deer and turkey densities and the related agricultural damage these species have caused.